C. Lillard Evans

Beloved husband of Carol Evans and the late Arlene Evans. Loving father of Pat Lester and David (Arloa Marmion) Evans and stepfather to Janis (Joel) Acus and Joy Roth. Dear grandfather of David (Laura) Evans, Susan (Greg Marshall) Evans, and step grandfather to Jennifer (Stephen) Smith and Jessica Acus. Caring great grandfather of Michael, Josh, and Daniel Evans. Brother of Clayton (Dorothy) Evans and the late George Evans. Also survived by nieces and nephews, many friends, and neighbors. Passed away, April 7, 2011, age 96. Visitation will be held at Mason Christian Village Chapel, 411 Village Dr., Mason, on Monday from 10 am until Celebration of Life Service at 11 am. Donations may be made to Christian Benevolent Assoc.- Compassionate Care Fund. Lillard was born in Mt. Auburn to Clarence and Anna (Ruesch) Evans. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. His education began at Mt. Auburn Grade School. At age nine, he moved with his family to Westwood where he lived with his parents and brothers, George and Clayton, for the next 18 years. He attended Western Hills High School, then transferred to the Boys Commercial School, a vocational high school. There he was able to go to school a week then work a week, and since the depression was on, the earnings helped with his expenses. The school taught typing, shorthand, bookkeeping and some academics, but he decided he needed a full academic high school diploma and attended night school at the same time. He received a two-year diploma from Boys Commercial in 1931, a three-year diploma in 1932, and a four-year high school diploma from West Night High in 1933. Once he started working, he attended U.C Evening College focusing his attention on engineering, business and photogaphy classes. While attending Evening College he also joined the Evening Choral Society for several years where he met Arlene Brandt, his future wife. Lillard was a longstanding member and leader in the Boy Scouts of America programs. He began as a Tenderfoot Scout in 1927, then continued through the ranks and on to adult leadership until 1939. He returned to scouting in 1957 when his son, David, entered the Cub Scout program and Lillard signed on as an adult committee member. He worked with the Cubs, Webelos and Boy Scout units, served as the Institutional Representative to College Hill Presbyterian Church, which sponsored these programs, then assumed leadership of the Explorer Scout program for several years. He loved camping, canoing and outdoor programs, and was awarded the Order of the Arrow, Scouter’s Key and 25 year Veterans Pin. In 1943 Lillard accepted President Roosevelt’s “invitation” to join the U.S. Army, and after basic training put his education to good use by entering Company Clerk School. His 3-year military service took him to posts in New York City, London and Washington, D.C., attaining the rank of First Sargeant. London in WW II was a dangerous place, with the steady assault of buzz bombs, and later the V2 rockets. But it also provided an opportunity for him to travel, sightsee in an international setting and employ his growing interest in photography. He was assigned to the OSS unit stationed in London as Company Clerk where he made lifelong friends. This was a man who never had to apply for a job; jobs came looking for him. He began full time employment working for his Uncle at T.J. Connor, a heating and plumbing contractor. Fourteen years later, after the company had been sold, Lillard was asked to join Mutual Manufacturing and Supply Company, another contractor. Eventually Bob LaTour and Lester Bosch met him on a construction project and asked him to join the firm they were forming, Bosch & Latour, Consulting Engineers, as their Office Manager. He began in 1953, and remained with them until his retirement in 1980. In 1956, Lillard was nominated by the partners of Bosch & LaTour to membership in the Engineering Society of Cincinnati. He was the first full member of the Society without formal engineering education. Lillard enjoyed his associations with the ECS, and his family attended many outstanding travelogues in the Society’s auditorium. In 1941, Lillard married Arlene Brandt. Arlene and Lillard lived for several years in Carthage and Northside before moving their young family to College Hill in 1950. Lillard was a businessman, but a handyman, too. His children had the biggest swingset in the neighborhood because their plumbing-contractor dad had their set custom-made at the shop. He also did many home repair projects; perhaps the one most notable to the family was the complete remodel of the bathroom in their first College Hill home. For that project he was the carpenter, plumber, electrician, tile installer and painter. He had a close eye for detail, so this project, like all others, was beautifully done. In 1950, the Evans family entered College Hill Presbyterian Church. Lillard joined the choir, while the family settled into Sunday School, and worship attendance. Later, Pat and David participated in Girl and Boy Scouting programs and the Youth Group. Lillard served 6 years on the Session, 6 years with the Lay Ministry leadership, and several more years of Lay ministry support. He and Arlene attended CHPC for over 40 years before moving to Mason. He was a dedicated churchman, and devout Christian. In 1996 Lillard married Carol Roth; both were recently widowed and residents of Mason Christian Village. Together they traveled, went on cruises, and developed a strong circle of close friends. They have been active in their community, and have enjoyed 14 wonderful years together. Lillard was greatly loved by his family and friends. He served his country, raised and provided for his family with great responsibility, honor and love. He will be missed by all of us left behind.